Colegiul Economic ,,Petre S Aurelian Slatina

Limba engleza
Clasa a XI a, nivel Intermediate, Evaluare online, sem II, anul scolar 2013-2014
The Mini Problem
Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Lilys anger could not have been more palpable. She awakened Christmas morning and,
along with her brother, ran down to see the gifts under the tree.
In the living room sat a magnificent mini bike. It was red with a pearly white gas tank and
side panels. For a brief moment, Lily was filled with what seemed like insurmountable excitement.
She couldnt imagine anything better than getting that bike. Then, her eyes caught sight of a baby
doll sitting on the couch with a huge bow.
She knew. She knew that the mini bike belonged to her brother and that she had been
relegated to that doll. It was par for the course. Tommy always got cool things: skateboards,
gliders, science kits. The mini bike was just the latest cool thing.
Lily always got the boring gifts: a doll with a gown, a doll with a tutu, a doll with a puppy.
This doll seemed unusually blah. The doll wore a petticoat. The doll had short, straight black hair.
Tommy had seen that mini-bike in the front window of Moores Bike Shop, but hadnt Lily
too? Both had begged for the bike. Both had said it was the only thing they wanted for Christmas.
Hadnt Lily asked for it with as much fervor as her twin brother? Tommys eyes grew wide at the
sight of the bike he knew was hisno doll for him. He ran into his parents room and jumped
excitedly on the bed.
Thank you, Mama! Thank you, Papa! he yelled.
Meanwhile Lily simmered in the other room. She was furious. She was enraged. She was
incensed. It took a while for anyone to even realize she was missing.
Whats wrong, Lil? Papa asked. Did you see your pretty doll?
I saw it, she said sulkily.
Whats wrong? asked Mama.
Silence. Lilys jaw was fixed. Her hands clenched. Her whole body trembled.
Oh, Mama, you know Lily is never excited by presents! her brother laughed.
Come out and watch me ride! And so they did.
Questions:
1) In the beginning of the story, Lily's anger was described as palpable because it was
A. unusual
B. irrational
C. difficult to understand
D. easy to feel
2) As used in the beginning of the story, which is the best antonym for insurmountable?
A. sane
B. phony
C. unjustified
D. surpassable
3) As used in the beginning of the story, which best describes the act of being relegated?
A. A star athlete is given a coveted award.
B. A disobedient dog is put in the garage to sleep.
C. After being tested, swimmers are put into groups according to their ability levels.
D. The birthday boy is taken to his favorite restaurant.
4) As used in the beginning of the story, the expression par for the course implies that something
A. is to be expected
B. cannot be undone
C. is sure to cause anger
D. was meant to be hurtful

5) What is ironic about the title of this passage?

A. Lily has a big problem.
B. Tommy is perfectly happy.
C. Lily does not get a mini bike.
D. Lilys parents do not realize
there is actually a problem.
6) What could the author have written if she wanted to show Lily taking steps to improve her situation?
A. a scene with Lily storming out of the house
B. a description of Lily getting to ride the mini bike first
C. a paragraph describing Lily pretending to appreciate the doll
D. a dialogue with Lily explaining to her family why she was so angry
7) As used in the middle of the story, which is the best antonym for fervor?
A. gluttony
B. indifference
C. politeness
D. passion
8) Using the information in the story as a guide, it can be inferred that Lily's parents could reasonably be
accused of being
I. unloving
II. insensitive
III. gender biased
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
9) In paragraph 6, the author most likely repeats the word "doll" to
A. highlight how extravagant the dolls were
B. juxtapose the number of dolls with just one mini bike
C. emphasize how common this gift had become for Lily
D. make it clear that the doll she got this Christmas was the worst of all
10) As used at the end of the story, which is the best antonym for incensed?
A. pleased
B. annoyed
C. patient
D. indignant
What would you do if you were in Lilys position? Explain.
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Answers